Some people will use extreme measures to enhance their smile and appearance, such as giving in to dental fads that seem natural and cost very little yet make their smile look effortless. Even though these fads may provide quick results, they are not based on science but on inaccurate information. In the long run, these fads can negatively affect your mouth’s health. Dental Implant San Diego has put together a list of five dental fads you should avoid to protect your teeth from future damage.
1. Activated charcoal
Several cosmetic products on the market contain charcoal as an ingredient, including toothpaste. As the American Dental Association (ADA) does not approve or deem charcoal to be safe for use, it is recommended that patients approach this fad with caution. It is highly recommended that you avoid all kinds of charcoal, including non-activated charcoal, at all costs since it is poisonous. Even though activated charcoal is safe, when used on teeth, it may wear away the enamel and make them appear yellow instead of whitening them and making them look whiter.
2. Peroxide of hydrogen
Many dental products, such as mouthwashes and kinds of toothpaste, contain hydrogen peroxide as an ingredient due to oxidation. To the American Dental Association (ADA), hydrogen peroxide is contained in a safe amount of hydrogen peroxide in products that anyone can use. On the other hand, hydrogen peroxide should never be used alone, as it can cause severe damage to your gums and dental tissues when used on its own.
Read More: Teeth Whitening, How to Care for Your Dental Implants, Why A Regular Dental Check-Up Is Important
3. Baking soda and lemon juice
An all-natural solution for whitening your teeth combines lemon juice and baking soda. While all of these products can be considered to be chemically whitening agents, each product can also be incredibly damaging to teeth. High acidity in lemon juice can weaken enamel due to its highly acidic nature. It is essential that baking soda is a very abrasive substance and can wear away the weakened enamel quickly. Stick to a whitening product approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) if you want to brighten your smile.
4. Pulling oil
For whitening your teeth and freshening your breath, oil pulling involves swishing sunflower, coconut, or sesame oil around your mouth for 15-20 minutes. It works by swishing around the oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes. When this method was invented, there were very few options available, so this method has been used for centuries.
The practice of oil pulling is not relevant today with the advancements in dental care materials, and it should never replace regular brushing and flossing. It is essential that with today’s dental care materials, oil pulling is no longer relevant and should never be substituted for regular brushing and flossing. It is also worth mentioning that oil pulling has not been proven effective by any scientific evidence.
5. Excessive dieting
As tempting as it may be to lose a few pounds by following an extreme diet, such as juice cleanses, the truth is that doing so might also compromise your dental health. You will not receive essential nutrients such as calcium, B12, and other nutrients to maintain a healthy mouth when you consume juice cleanses. Besides being high in acids and sugar, juice can also damage your enamel and make your mouth more susceptible to bacteria growth since it contains acids and sugars. When it comes to losing weight, the best approach is to consume a balanced diet in moderation instead of overeating.
It is important to remember that dental health cannot be rushed. Keep your mouth healthy by sticking to the tried-and-true soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, as well as regular visits to San Diego Smile Center for regular dental exams to ensure that your teeth and gums remain healthy.